<p> NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH NEED STATEMENT</p><p>Submission Date: RNS#: (R&D Use) Submitter Name: Phone:</p><p>Division / Unit: Email:</p><p>Research Idea Title: Note: All fields will expand as you type. Use as much space as needed. What is the problem or issue needing investigation? Be specific and detailed. (Click Here for Form Instructions)</p><p>Background: Provide supporting information about the business unit, processes and tools</p><p>Research Objectives and Tasks: Describe specific activities that are anticipated (gathering data, structural testing, traffic analysis, etc.)</p><p>Products of the Research: Examples of products could include models, specifications, policies, general guidance...etc. </p><p>Benefit / Knowledge Gain for NCDOT: Check all that apply. ☐ Increase Operational Efficiency / Time Savings ☐ New or Improved Specifications ☐ Cost Savings ☐ Improved Worker or Public Safety ☐ Improved Material, Structure, Pavement Performance ☐ Permitting / Regulatory Compliance ☐ Improved Models (Performance/Traffic/Financial etc.) ☐ Other (Specify)</p><p>IT Component: Describe any IT component that may result from the project such as software, spreadsheets, models, etc.</p><p>Implementation: Describe how the results of research will be put into practice at NCDOT.</p><p>Unit: Who will be the project Champion? Title: Provide Unit, Position Title and Name. Name: Additional Comments and Information: See guide. Recommend including info on involvement from other units.</p><p>Approval (Division Official or Unit Head)</p><p>Print Name Signature Title Please email a PDF of the signed document AND an editable MS Word copy to - [email protected]; Questions can be directed to the research via email, by phone (919-508-1790) or to the appropriate Research Engineer. For additional guidance, see the Research Need Statement instructions.</p><p>RNS v1.3; 5/9/2017</p>